Foxconn kids helped build Wii U consoles

Foxconn found itself embroiled in yet another labour controversy this week, after it emerged the company employed school kids, some as young as 14.

Now a Chinese gaming website has learned that the school kids were involved in the manufacture of Nintendo’s new Wii U consoles. The kids, aged 14 to 16, worked overtime and at night to help churn out the consoles, which will be bought for spoiled brats in the west by their guilt ridden parents. And no, it’s not ironic, it’s nothing short of disgusting.

After the reports of underage interns emerged, Foxconn was quick to point out that they were free to leave whenever they liked. However, this does not seem to have been the case. Games QQ claims the kids used in Foxconn’s generous internship program were practically forced to participate. If they refused to do so, they were threatened by their teachers, who told them they might be kicked out of school or lose their graduation diplomas.

One 14-year-old worker told the site that he worked in the night shift, from 7:40PM to the morning.

“Whenever the work is done is when you get off your shift. If you don't finish the work, he (the production line foreman) won't let you end your shift. Usually, you can get off by 7 AM. My arms would hurt from the work," he is reported as saying.

The teen worked several consecutive night shifts and asked for sick leave, which he didn’t get. Eventually he was sacked and allegedly told that he would be kicked out of school. One student claims no days off were given at all.

Nintendo told Kotaku that it is investigating the matter and taking the allegations very seriously.